The Smile of a Flower

Artist Ludmila Fishman discovered color after she left the oppressive grayness of Russia.

After emigrating to North America, she was surprised to see people smiling and greeting each other on the street. Back in Russia, during the times of dictatorial control with leaders like Stalin in power, people were grim, withdrawn.

Even art was under the control of the system. Educated in leading Russian universities, Fishman was told that her work had to have political meaning, meeting the approval of the authorities. But there are other colors besides red as her newer works show.

Her subjects, whether it is a Montreal street scene or a flower in a botanical garden, display an intense spectrum. Colors are amplified through her personal vision. As she explains, she not only sees her subjects, she also feels them, transferring her impressions to canvas.

That’s how she can paint the smile of a flower.




Artist painter Ludmila Fishman (right) discusses her work with a couple of visitors during the NCCCA reception for her exhibit, Sketches On Canvas.


[The works of Ludmila Fishman will be on exhibit until February 23rd at the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts, 30 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh. Gallery Hours: M-F 9-4, Sat 11-4. For more information, contact the NCCCA at (518) 563-1604.]